Art by Lauren Satlowski in the Strange Space Between Cute and Ugly

Though, artist Lauren Satlowski may work in various media and materials, she seems to have a very focused vision. Whether painted or altered as sculptures, Satlowski often uses ceramic figurines as a foundation for her work. Each seems to hover in an uncomfortable space between cute and ugly. Some pieces appear to have a syrupy liquid poured on them, or dunked in such a liquid. The work is reminiscent of the phrase “sickeningly sweet” – straddling the strange and ambiguous border between repulsive and attractive. In a way the contrast hints at the often vague separation between the innocent and sinister desires and intentions.